Sightseeing Entry

We can’t wait to welcome you to Canterbury Cathedral.

Tickets can be booked online or are available to buy on the day at our Visitor Centre.

By accessing the grounds or buying a Canterbury Cathedral admission ticket, you agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions of Entry.

It is always free to attend a service of worship or come into the Cathedral to pray.

Find out more about worship at the Cathedral.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 09.00 - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)

Sunday 11.30* - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)
*Between 11.30-12.30, access is available to the Cathedral grounds and Shop only. The Cathedral church opens at 12.30.

Opening times are subject to change. Occasionally, areas of the Cathedral may be closed to visiting, due to services, special events or for conservation work to be carried out.

To avoid disappointment, please check opening times and upcoming closures before visiting.

Cathedral Admission Tickets

Group and school visits must be booked separately (See further below).

Concessions are available, with a valid proof of eligibility (See further below).

All sightseeing entry includes† :

Entry to the Cathedral, Precincts and gardens
Exhibitions
Mini talks
Activity trails
Visitor events

† Subject to availability

Ticket prices as of January 2025

October-March

£18.00

Perfect if you're looking for a quieter visit, but still plenty to discover.

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

April-September (Excl. weekends in July & August)

£19.50

Make the most of the good weather, during our busy season.

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

Weekends in July & August

£21.00

Get more out of your summer visit, with special events and visitor experiences.

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

Book tickets now

Kids go FREE every day!

Children (aged 17 and under) go FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. (Max 2 children per paying adult; does not apply to group bookings or school visits). Children must be accompanied at all times.

Concessions

You are required to present a valid proof of eligibility on entry.

Pre-book online

Universal Credit Day Ticket

FREE

Free day entry tickets are available to UK residents in receipt of the following:

Universal Credit
Pension Credit

Universal Credit Day Ticket holders are required to present proof of eligibility alongside their booking. See full T&Cs

Book Universal Credit Day Tickets

When booking, please consider if you are able to make a donation to Canterbury Cathedral (£3 suggested donation).

Application Registration Card (ARC) holders

FREE

Enjoy FREE entry with a valid Application Registration Card (ARC)

Local University Students

FREE

Students studying full-time at local universities - Canterbury Christ Church University, University of Kent, University for the Creative Arts - enjoy FREE entry with their student ID.

Cathedral Passholders

FREE

Locals can enjoy unlimited visits for the equivalent of just 10p per month!

You may be eligible for a Cathedral Pass if you:

work in the old city of Canterbury
live within 4 miles of Bell Harry tower, including within The Precincts
are a member of the Cathedral Congregation
are immediate family of a Cathedral staff member
are a member of any church in the diocese (on the parish electoral roll or equivalent)

Our Cathedral Pass cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions or offers.

Apply for The Cathedral Pass

Friends Cardholders

FREE

Friends of Canterbury Cathedral enjoy free entry, as well as many other membership benefits!

The Friends are the Cathedral’s fan club!

They are a community who work together to preserve the Cathedral, and, with the great gen-erosity of their members, contribute financially to many vital projects.

Other membership benefits include:

Full annual programme of Friends' events• New member celebration (which includes a private guided tour)
10% discount at the Cathedral Shop and Cathedral Lodge (some exclusions apply)
Exclusive Friends’ Day each summer
Monthly Friendly Friday e-newsletters
Annual Cathedral magazine - view a sample of The Chronicle
Twice-yearly paper mailings
Membership badge
Exclusive Friends’ Day each summer

Find out more about the Friends

Group visits

Visiting Canterbury Cathedral is a great addition to any itinerary. From introductory talks, to expert guided tours, we have a variety of group options available.

Find out more

School visits

Have an inspiring day-out filled with an abundance of historical and educational interests. Days can be planned to reflect the interests of students from primary school through to university.

Find out more

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Planned closure: 13th - 15th January 2025

The Cathedral, Cathedral Lodge and Shop will be closed from Monday 13th - Wednesday 15th January 2025 for our Cathedral Staff Training Conference.

Morning and Evening Worship will take place as usual, and St Augustine’s Chapel will be available during the day for private prayer. Check service times

Planning a future visit? Remember to check our opening times and upcoming closures.

Services

Regular Worship Times

Our services explained

Access for Services

Special Services

Services FAQs

Worship for Children and Young People

Online worship

Events of Spirituality and Faith

Services and Music List

Pew Sheets

Daily worship lies at the heart of Cathedral life and every day starts with morning prayer (Matins) and ends with evening prayer (Evensong). The Eucharist is also offered daily.

Regular worship times

For more than 1,400 years God has been worshipped in Canterbury Cathedral. There’s history in every chime of our bells, and passion in every note sang by our choir.

Whether you need a quiet time to reflect, are seeking comfort, or wish to introduce your loved ones to faith, you are warmly invited to join our worship and services at Canterbury Cathedral.

All are welcome and there is never a charge to attend a service of worship or come into the Cathedral to pray*.

Our regular pattern of services are listed below, please see our monthly Services & Music List and daily notices for up-to-date information and seasonal variations, as well as special services and events.

* in St Augustine's Chapel

Services explained Online worship

Morning Prayer (Matins)	07:30 Monday - Friday (in the Jesus Chapel) 09:15 Weekends and Bank Holidays (in Jesus Chapel)
Daily Holy Communion	08:00 Monday - Sunday
Taizé Lunchtime Prayer	12:30-13:00 Mondays, during choir term time Find out more
Lunchtime Holy Communion	12:30 Wednesdays
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and Counsel	12:00-13:00 Fridays, in The Holy Innocents Chapel (subject to change around events) Outside of these times, Chaplains are always available should you want to speak with them.
Choral Evensong^†	17:30 Monday - Wednesday, Friday - Sunday
Said Evening Prayer	17:30 Thursdays, in the Crypt (This service is not live streamed) A said service of evening prayer from the Book of Common Prayer. Followed by Time for Silent Prayer, until 18:15
Time for Silent Prayer	Thursdays after 17:30 Said Evening Prayer, until 18:15 Occasional variations. See our monthly Service and Music Lists.
Children's Church	10:30 Sundays* in the Community Studio, before joining the church family for communion. Children’s Church runs most Sundays, but please check dates. Find out more*
Sung Eucharist^†	11:00 Sundays

All are welcome and there is never a charge to attend a service of worship.

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel.

Find out more about online worship at Canterbury Cathedral.

Advent and Christmas at Canterbury Cathedral

Journeying to Christmas

All are welcome to join us for our traditional services and carols, brand new services and events, child-friendly activities, beautiful trees and decorations.

Many of our Advent and Christmas services are live streamed on YouTube and available to watch afterwards, if you aren't able to attend in person.

Find out more

Image: Visualisation created by R3nder

FREE* exhibition

Cross-Currents

18 October 2024 – 15 February 2025

An installation of hundreds of beautiful, delicate hand-crafted boats embarked on their own journey through the vast architecture of Canterbury Cathedral, each fragile boat symbolizing the transient passage of the life of an individual.

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply). No need to book.

Find out more

Our services explained

Morning Prayer (Matins)

Morning Prayer is a service of prayer and praise to begin the day. A simple, said service which lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Bell Ceremony

Each day Monday - Saturday at 11am, we hold this short Act of Remembrance.

The bell of HMS Canterbury is rung six times, by the Buff's Chapel in the South East Transept of the Cathedral, followed by prayers for all who have died in conflict, and for peace in the world. Then an ex-servicemen or sometimes a serving serviceman, will turn the page in the Book of Life (Buff's Book of Remembrance).

Choral Evensong

Regular evening service Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (subject to change)

As the day begins with Morning Prayer, the day ends with an evening service of prayer and praise, using the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer. This is normally sung by the Cathedral Choir and the services lasts about 40 minutes.

When the members of the Cathedral Choir are taking a holiday, Evensong is usually sung by a visiting choir, but occasionally is replaced by Said Evening Prayer.

Said Evening Prayer

Our regular Thursday evening service (subject to change)

As the day begins with Morning Prayer, the day ends with an evening service of prayer and praise, using the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer.

This service takes place in the Cathedral Crypt, comprising of said prayer and lasts about 40 minutes.

Daily Holy Communion

In this service, which is also known as Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, or the Mass we give thanks over bread and wine for all that Jesus had done and continues to do for us and remember the meal Jesus shared with his disciples on the night before he died.

We hold a daily Holy Communion service every day at 08:00, and also a lunchtime service at 12:30 on Wednesdays.

These services last approximately 30 minutes.

Sunday Eucharist

On Sundays, we have a Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion service at 08:00 and Sung Eucharist at 11:00.

The Sunday Sung Eucharist is a celebration of Holy Communion with beautiful hymns and songs, a choir, and usually a sermon. The service lasts for around an hour and 15 minutes.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and Counsel

On Fridays, a priest is available for The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and Counsel, in The Holy Innocents Chapel, 12:00-13:00 (subject to change around events).

This healing ministry of receiving God's loving forgiveness helps us to make a fresh start in our lives. Through the ministry of the priest we may also receive advice and counsel to help us overcome those sins that draw us away from God.

Outside of these times, Chaplains are always available should you want to speak with them.

Sunday Worship for Children and Young People

At our 11:00 Sung Eucharist there are parent-led creche facilities for babies and toddlers and we invite 5–11* year olds to join us for Children’s Church from 10:30, where through story, songs, craft and games we worship together before joining the church family for communion.

Children’s Church is free, but with a suggested donation of £1 per family to contribute to running costs.

*Under 5s are welcome, but must be supervised by an adult.

Worship for Children and Young People

Children and young people are a valued part of our worshipping community and there are a variety of ways for them to get involved and for families to find support.

Live streaming

Please be aware that our regular services - 17:30 Choral Evensong and 11:00 Sunday Sung Eucharist - as well as many special services are live streamed on our YouTube channel, and these recordings remain available to view afterwards.

Although there are no intentional close ups of members of the congregation, yourself and your children may be seen.

0–5s

We welcome the gentle noise of young children into our worship, but recognise that in a long service they may also need space to move around or make a little more noise.

Our stewards can advise you on a good place to sit, where you can both see what is happening, but can also move around and escape should children become very restless.

We have a limited range of quiet toys, books and drawing resources which children are also welcome to make use of.

Food and drink are not allowed in the Cathedral, but you are welcome to breast or bottle feed. Please be aware we do not have toilet facilities within the Cathedral itself.

5–11s | Children's Church

Children's Church runs most Sundays, but please check dates below.

As part of our Sunday morning Eucharist we invite children aged 5-11* to join us for from 10.30am in the Community Studio (see schedule), where through story, songs, craft and games we worship together before joining the rest of the church family in the Cathedral for communion.

Registration and refreshments from 10.30am allow time for children to settle before parents/carers head over to the Cathedral returning to pick up children during the Peace.

Children’s Church is free but with a suggested donation of £1 per family to contribute to our running costs.

*Under 5s are welcome to attend Children’s Church, but must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Schedule:

Sunday 3 November

Sunday 17 November
Sunday 24 November
Sunday 1 December
Sunday 8 December
Sunday 15 December

11+

We encourage young people to play an active part in our worshipping community.

There are opportunities to join the serving team, lead prayers or do readings and to develop as leaders within Children’s Church.

We are currently looking at what else we might offer to support the young people of our Cathedral community so watch this space for more information over the coming months.

Are you aged 18 - 40?

Do you live, work or study in Canterbury?

Are you interested in gathering with others to explore faith in the modern world?

If so, join us as we start to build a new monthly worshipping group here at Canterbury Cathedral.

MORE DETAILS TO BE RELEASED SOON

To find out more, please contact Canon Wendy: [email protected]

Online worship

Service live stream times

Daily Choral Evensong or Evening Prayer with Organ Meditation 17:30 (Except Thursdays*)

Sunday Choral Eucharist 11:00

These services are broadcast live on the Cathedral's YouTube channel. To receive notifications when new videos are available, please subscribe to our YouTube channel

Most days we are able to share our worship online but occasionally for operational or pastoral reasons we may not be able to. We publicise any changes via our social media channels and our website.

Occasional services, such as Carol Services, Confirmations, and Ordinations may also be livestreamed.

Explore our online worship

Access for Services

The Cathedral is a medieval building on several levels and arrangements vary depending on the area used or the format of the service. Our Music Lists and Events Calendar includes details of the service locations.

Large print copies of Orders of Service are usually available; please ask the Virgers or Stewards on arrival.

Advance notice is preferred so that we can best accommodate you, especially for special events, but staff and service stewards will always do their best to make suitable arrangements for anyone attending a service or event.

To help us plan seating arrangements in advance, please contact us:

Tel: +44(0)1227 762862 (Cathedral House Reception) during normal office hours.
Email: [email protected].

Contact the Visits Office for up-to-date service information:
Tel: +44 (0) 1227 865279
Email: [email protected]

Ticketed concerts, services and other events

Please inform the box office of any accessibility requirements prior, so that seating arrangements can be arranged. For example, if attending in a wheelchair or bringing a pram, seats can be removed to accommodate, and grouped seating can be allocated.

Help during services of worship

Holy Communion

If you are unable to go up to the altar for Communion during a service, please speak with one of our stewards before the service starts. They will be happy to make arrangements for you.

Large-print service sheets

Large-print service sheets are available from our virgers or Stewards on request.

Induction Loop

An Induction Loop for people who are hard of hearing has been installed in the Nave, Quire and Crypt for use during services. Hearing aid users should adjust their aid to T.

Send a prayer

If you are unable to attend the Cathedral in person, we invite you to email your prayers for inclusion in our daily worship via [email protected]

Send a Prayer

Special Services

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Cathedral Carol Services

These services took place on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 December

A major highlight of the Cathedral’s year, our Carol Services feature music by our world-famous Cathedral Choir, and readings to tell the story of the birth of Christ.

Watch again

Midnight Mass

This service took place on Tuesday 24 December

This traditional night-time communion service ends at midnight, marking the dawn of Christmas Day and celebrating the joy of when the Angels appeared to the Shepherds.

Watch again

Christmas Day

These services took place on Wednesday 25 December

11:00 Christmas Eucharist

15:00 Evensong with Carols

Watch again

Memorial Service for the Martyrdom of St Thomas†

This service took place on Sunday 29 December.

854 years after his death, we recalled the story of Archbishop Thomas Becket, reflecting on martyrdom then and now.

Preacher: Fr. Robert McCulloch, Rome

Watch again

NEW FOR 2025

Time for Silent Prayer

Thursdays* after 17:30 Said Evening Prayer, until 18:15

An opportunity to be still in the midst of the business of life, and rest in the holiness and peace of this sacred place.

This space is for people of all denominations, faiths or none who wish to take some time to rest in the present moment.

An opportunity to be still in the midst of the business of life and rest in the holiness and peace of this sacred place.

If you are drawn to silent prayer, please join us weekly on Thursdays* in the Crypt for an extended time of silent prayer as part of our evening said service.

Whether you stay for 10 minutes or half an hour, this space is for people of all denominations, faiths or none who wish to have some quiet, reflective time, resting in the present moment. 

*Occasional variations. See our monthly Services and Music Lists.

Sunday 2 February, 10:30-12:15 in the Community Studio

Candlemas Christingle Making

To mark Candlemas, we will be making christingles in Children’s Church, before processing them into the Cathedral as part of the main Sunday Eucharist at 11:00.

We invite 5–11* year olds, accompanied by a parent/carer, to join us for this special Children’s Church activity.

Children’s Church is free, but with a suggested donation of £1 per family to contribute to running costs.

*Under 5s are welcome to attend Children’s Church, but must be supervised by parents/carers at all times. There are parent-led crèche facilities for babies and toddlers at the 11:00 service.

Find out more

Between 5 - 12 January 2025

Epiphany Services

Solemn Evensong of the Epiphany ^†
Sun 5 January 2025, 17:30

Sung Eucharist for Epiphany ^†
Mon 6 January 2025, 17:30

Epiphany Carol Service^†
Sun 12 January 2025, 17:30

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel

Watch live

Wednesday 5 March 2025

Ash Wednesday

8:00 Holy Communion with Ashing

12:30 Eucharist with Ashing

17:30 Choral Eucharist with Ashing and Homily †

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel

Events of Spirituality and Faith

WATCH SESSION INTRODUCTIONS

Online Book Group: Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich

This online book group has now concluded, but you are most welcome to watch Canon Emma's introductions in your own time as you read this wonderful and truly inspiring work of spiritual insight.

This group took place on Tuesdays (21 May - 30 July), 20:00 - 21:00 BST, via Zoom.

Find out more

Online Book Group: The Book of Margery Kempe (c.1436-8)

SESSION RECORDINGS AVAILABLE

This book group has now concluded, but you can still watch the session recordings to read and reflect on the text in your own time.

Known as the earliest autobiography written in the English language, The Book of Margery Kempe (c.1436-8) describes the dramatic transformation of its heroine from failed business woman and lustful young wife to devout and chaste pilgrim.

We joined Canon Emma online via Zoom, to reflect and discuss this extraordinary account of a medieval wife, mother and mystic.

Find out more

Mondays (20 - 27 January, 3 - 10 February, 3 - 31 March 2025), 12:30-13:00 in the Crypt

Taizé Lunchtime Prayer

The worship of Taizé is based on simple repetitive chants, the reading of scripture and silence.

All our welcome to come and experience this way of praying as we connect with God and one another through sound and silence.

In person only.

This event is free, but donations are kindly accepted.

Find out more

ONLINE BOOK GROUP

The Ladder of Perfection by Walter Hilton (1340-1396)

Tuesdays, over 11 weeks (starting 7 January), 20:00 - 21:00 BST, via Zoom

Walter Hilton is widely regarded as the first among medieval English mystics, and The Ladder provided continuous inspiration since its appearance six centuries ago.

You are invited to join Canon Emma online via Zoom, to reflect and discuss this extraordinary devotional work.

This group is free, but donations are kindly accepted.

Reserve your space to be sent a Zoom link.

Find out more

ONLINE QUIET DAY

‘All that is made’: Contemplating Creation with Julian of Norwich

Saturday 1 February 2025, 10:00-15:00 via Zoom

An opportunity to reflect on the beauty of creation and our place within it, through the writings of Julian of Norwich.

This quiet day is led by Canon Emma online via Zoom.

The event is free but donations are kindly accepted.

Booking essential - Book your space to be sent a zoom link. It will be the same link for every week.

Book your free space

Starting early March 2025 - running for 6 weeks

Lent Groups

As part of our Lent and Easter season, we shall be exploring the theme of ‘Hope in Hard Places’ using study material from the charity Embrace the Middle East.

Starting at the beginning of March and running for the six weeks of Lent, this is an opportunity to gather with others in a small group, online or in person.

Further details will be announced through our weekly pew sheet, available at www.canterbury-cathedral.org/worship

Embrace the Middle East are a Christian development charity, who partner with Christians in the Middle East as they work to transform lives and restore the dignity of the most excluded and marginalised communities.

Find out more at https://embraceme.org

Keeping you safe

Did you know that Canterbury Cathedral has its own Constabulary?

Our officers are here 24/7 to protect this special site, and to ensure the safety of all who come to visit and worship at the Cathedral.

Services FAQs

Do I need to book to attend a service of worship?

No.

Will I be able to take Communion at a service?

Yes. All baptised Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion.

Will there be Orders of Service available?

Yes.

Will I be able to light a candle?

Yes. There are a number of stands within the Cathedral where you can light a candle.

Child and Adult Safeguarding

With every child and vulnerable adult that enters Canterbury Cathedral we have a duty of care and responsibility which we take seriously. We have policies in place to ensure we follow the principles for the whole Church of England. You can find our independent safeguarding audit here.

Can I donate to support the Cathedral?

Yes, we welcome any support of the Cathedral. You can donate online, give at one of the contactless donation stands in the Cathedral, or make a cash donation into one of our collection boxes.

Is parking available?

Parking in the Cathedral grounds is only available for Blue Badge holders, subject to limited availability and prior arrangement. Please use the public car parks within the city.

Services and Music List

Our Services and Music List gives details of the music performed at Cathedral services, as well as names of choirs, preachers and where the service will take place.

Current Services and Music List